Latham Partner Michelle Kelban Recognized Among Most Influential Women in New York Commercial Real Estate

Michelle Kelban, partner and Global Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Real Estate Practice, has been recognized by Bisnow as a 2025 New York Power Women honoree in recognition of her stature as one of the most influential women in New York commercial real estate. Michelle is the only law firm partner named to Bisnow’s New York 2025 list.

Michelle advises private equity firms, institutional investors and lenders, and family offices throughout the world on highly complex real estate transactions, including private capital raising and financing, acquisitions, joint venture recapitalizations, and workouts and restructurings. She is particularly known for her work on highly structured and multifaceted deals involving bespoke structures.

Her representation of Ares Management Corporation in its US$3.7 billion acquisition of GCP International exemplifies her ability to navigate complex global carve-outs. Additionally, her involvement in transformative deals such as Cain International's One Beverly Hills development and Brookfield's acquisition of Divvy Homes' property portfolio further solidifies her status as a leading figure in the industry.

As Global Chair of Latham’s Real Estate Practice, Michelle has been instrumental in driving the strategy and growth of the group, which includes lawyers across 16 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Recognized as one of the most elite lawyers in real estate both in New York and globally, Michelle was named a Law360 Real Estate MVP in 2024 and elected to the invitation-only American College of Real Estate Lawyers in 2020.